This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
